MSc in Advanced Computational Methods

Latest information for applicants and offer-holders

This course will begin on schedule in the Autumn and we plan to reopen our campuses. We are looking forward to seeing you in person, if travel and visa arrangements allow. If you can’t travel to campus in time for the start of term, we want to reassure you that your academic Department has made plans which make it possible to offer you a high-quality remote educational experience during the Autumn term. 

Your teaching will be a combination of on-campus (in-person) and remote learning (online). We call this ‘multi-mode’ delivery. Depending on official government guidance throughout the entirety of next academic year, the ‘multi-mode’ balance may be subject to change. We hope to be able to offer you increased on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the year. 

For more information about multi-mode delivery, your learning experience and the steps we’ll be taking to keep you safe on campus if you are able to join us, please see our COVID-19 information for applicants and offer holders page.


This taught postgraduate programme provides advanced training in computational methods, the underlying theory and physical principles, and appropriate experimental techniques for aeronautics and other sectors.

This degree is suitable for applicants who wish to enhance their Engineering training or to convert to an advanced engineering discipline from backgrounds in Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.

Please note: We only award MSc qualifications. Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas are not available in the Department of Aeronautics.

Why should I apply for this MSc?

The Department works closely with employers and industry - including Industrial Advisory Panels - to design a programme which ensures that students graduate with the technical knowledge, expertise and transferrable skills in demand by employers.

As a result, graduates of this MSc develop specialist skills and are highly sought after by employers in a broad spectrum of aerospace and non-aerospace industries.

Further information

For general enquiries about the programme please contact:

Senior Postgraduate (MSc) Administrator)
Email: aero.msc-admissions@imperial.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 5066
Fax: +44 (0)20 7594 1974

Professor Sergei Chernyshenko, Director of Postgraduate Studies
Email: s.chernyshenko@imperial.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 5110

MSc in Advanced Computational Methods programme handbook, 2020-2021 Policy on employment during study

Such non-aerospace industries include manufacture, technical consultancy, accountancy, and utilities and transport. For further information about what graduate destinations please see the following:

The facilities in the Department are of a high standard, with the latest industry-standard software available for students to use.

NB: Please note that this programme is largely computational in nature. There are some opportunities for practical work, such as the Design of Experiments module or as part of your Individual Research Project but this programme is primarily concerned with the major aspects of computational and theoretical fluid dynamics

Any successful applicants are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the Advanced Computational Methods - Summer reading list for the programme.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Entry requirements (2021-22 entry)

PLEASE NOTE: Applications for 2021-22 entry are now closed. Applications for 2022-23 entry will open in November 2021.

Applicants should have been awarded, or expect to be awarded, a first class (1st) or upper second class (2:1) or equivalent degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics.

Questions about the application process? Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Fees and funding

Links with industry and employers

Imperial College works closely with employers and industry through Industrial Advisory Panels to design a Master’s programme which provide graduates with technical knowledge, expertise and transferable skills, and to encourage students to take industrial individual projects.

The MSc has been designed to provide a breadth and depth of knowledge of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) that will be of relevance to a wide range of companies who develop or use CFD.

Structure

Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this programme is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

Programme information

Aims and objectives

  1. To provide an advanced taught programme which covers the major aspects of computational and theoretical fluid dynamics in application to aeronautical engineering, with a high-level of applicability to non-aeronautical disciplines as well.
  2. To deliver a programme which has a strong emphasis on the development of knowledge and skills in relation to aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), structural analysis, control and flight mechanics. An integral component of the programme is the combination of aerodynamics and structural analysis.
  3. To attract academically talented and motivated home, EU and overseas students.
  4. To create graduates with a fundamental understanding of the programme material and the ability to apply their theoretical knowledge to complex practical problems.
  5. To create students with a high-level of graduate employability.
  6. To ensure students have the ability to solve complex problems numerically, as opposed to simply using ‘black box’ commercial codes. As a result graduates can write and develop, rather than simply use, commercial packages.
  7. To support theoretical and computing knowledge and skills through the use of simple experiments.
  8. To ensure that the programme provides not only enhanced engineering training, but also encourages and provides opportunities for conversion to an advanced engineering discipline for graduates from disciplines such as Mathematics and Physics.

Content and structure

The programme can be completed on a 1 year full-time basis. The programme begins in October and ends in September.

The programme is assessed by written examinations, computational lab work, reports, computing assignments and short online quizzes. The major individual research project is of about four months’ duration and forms a significant part of the assessment for the programme and must be completed by all students. Through links with industry, it is possible for projects to be supervised in part by staff from industry or to be carried out in industry.

Students begin their study with 5 non-examinable compulsory courses (introductory in nature) before completing a minimum of 12 units from a series of elective courses and undertaking a Major Individual Research Project.

Students are advised to take at least 19 units in order to be eligible for a Distinction on Completion of their MSc.

Module descriptors

For a full list of modules on this programme, please visit our module descriptors page.